I Know How The Caged Bra Sings

July 16, 2014

By John Festa

La Perla

Cage bra. Harness bra. A bra with a more complex strap configuration over the shoulder and/or on the back band. A look that has been growing in recent years. Seemingly at once, two events brought this style to the forefront for me.

While visiting the EXPOSED: A History of Lingerie at the Museum at FIT, the graduates majoring in Intimate Apparel had their work on display in the lobby. All five students incorporated some version of the cage bra. Their work is exceptional, perhaps a hopeful foretelling of the future of the industry and market.

And the ubiquitous Victoria’s Secret has introduced a Very Sexy collection using all kinds of straps and configurations in a variety of different styles.

Lascivious & Bordelle

What of this trend? Fad or mainstay? I spoke with some local retailers for their perspective. The schools of thought ranged from simple newness to bondage themed lingerie.

Some motivating factors for this trend:

Exposed strap trend brings focus to more interesting straps

Fashion-driven, innerwear as outerwear look

Fifty Shades of Grey brought bondage to forefront

Agent Provocateur

Some retailers think this is a simple matter of runway looks being mass marketed. Which, now that the look is in the biggest market of all, VS, signals the end. Others feel the look allows the adventurous to explore sexuality in an innocent way and, thus, will always maintain a small but constant market share.

Nicole De Carle

In any case, this look is a far cry from the nude, molded t-shirt bra which continues to dominate the market. And that’s exactly the point. Lingerie is a perfect means for self-expression. And there are times one feels like wearing underwear that comes with installation instructions. Enjoy yourself. And, by that, I mean enjoy your self.

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Mission Statement

Lingerie Briefs is multi-faceted Lingerie and Fashion Blog for consumers and industry insiders written by Ellen Lewis and other experts from the Intimate Apparel world. Ellen created Lingerie Briefs as her virtual Lingerie boutique.”The merchandise that I feature are all products I have personally reviewed and which I would be proud to carry in my own shop. It’s an artistic and literary destination providing insight to both the Lingerie Industry and Lingerie Consumer.” …Ellen Lewis